Kennedy Center Faces Staff Cuts Amid Upcoming Closure

The Kennedy Center is getting a big makeover, but not everyone is happy about it. The performing arts hub in Washington, D. C. , is set to close its doors in early July for a two-year renovation. This means big changes for the staff. The center's president, Richard Grenell, sent a memo saying that most departments will shrink or go on hold until the place reopens in 2028. He promised to give as much notice as possible, but it's still a tough pill to swallow for many employees. The renovation plans have been vague. President Trump announced the closure back in February, but there's no solid evidence that the building is in bad shape. Last October, Trump said the center would stay open during renovations, but that’s not happening now. The center employs nearly 2, 500 people, but the exact number is unclear. With so many jobs on the line, the future looks uncertain for the Kennedy Center's team. Meanwhile, the Super Bowl halftime show sparked a debate on prediction markets. Cardi B's appearance left some traders confused and upset. She danced with other stars like Karol G and Young Miko, but it wasn't clear if she was singing. This ambiguity caused issues on platforms like Kalshi and Polymarket, where people bet on who would perform. Kalshi settled the bet in favor of "no performance, " while Polymarket ruled it a "yes. " Some traders even filed complaints, arguing that the rules were unclear.The Super Bowl was a big day for prediction markets, with Kalshi seeing over $1 billion in trading volume. But the controversy over Cardi B's role shows how tricky these markets can be. The whole situation highlights the need for clearer rules and better communication in the world of online betting. In other news, Instagram's CEO, Adam Mosseri, testified in a tech addiction case. He argued that social media isn't "clinically addictive, " but acknowledges it can still cause harm. Mosseri said Instagram has safety protocols for teens and tests features before releasing them. He compared social media addiction to being hooked on a good TV show, not something as severe as gambling or smoking. The case is part of a wave of lawsuits claiming that social media platforms are designed to be addictive. The plaintiff, a 20-year-old woman, sued Meta, YouTube, TikTok, and Snap, accusing them of causing anxiety and depression. Snap and TikTok settled out of court, but the other companies are still fighting the claims. If the plaintiff wins, it could lead to big changes in how these apps are designed and significant financial penalties for the companies. McDonald's is winning customers back with value meals. The fast-food giant reported a 6. 8% increase in U. S. sales for the fourth quarter, thanks to promotions like the Monopoly game and the Grinch meal deal. But it's been a tough year for restaurants, as many people are eating out less due to high prices. McDonald's is focusing on affordable options like the $5 Sausage Egg and Cheese McGriddle to attract budget-conscious customers.